People in Diamer recently staged a sit-in on the Karakoram Highway near the Diamer-Bhasha Dam site, demanding the fulfilment of promises, including rightful compensation for their land, by the government. They presented a charter of demands and threatened to halt the construction work if their legitimate demands were not met. Several small routes around the dam site have been closed, and the movement has gained support from civil society organisations and various political parties. The government needs to address the concerns of the local population, ensuring rightful compensation without further delay.

Malik Mohammad Hussain

Khaplu, GB